JENNIFER HARDGROVE | Coworking: On Your Own, With Company

Coworking allows individuals who work from home to work in a common office area with others earning a living sans an employer requiring their physical presence.

Generally, coworking spaces usually offer ample desk space and access to high speed Internet. Those who seek a coworking environment often do so to avoid the isolation of working alone. The trend for coworking establishments is to offer secondary fringe benefits or perks — like a community refrigerator, free coffee or soda, and use of office equipment such as a fax or copier.

At OfficeNomads (officenomads.com) in Seattle, WA the motto is "Individuality without isolation." Members are offered the opportunity to work at spacious desks, pet the resident dog, bring in their own pooch and shower after a bike-ride into the Capitol Hill location. Freelancers, teleworkers and those seeking a new career after a layoff, all come together to get work done in a comfortable, clean, and modern environment that facilitates performing work and networking.

Currently, OfficeNomads is offering a "pink slip special" which means that newcomers who bring in a layoff notice get the first month of coworking — valued at $375 — for free. Another such space in Tacoma, WA is Suite133, (suite133.com) where creative professionals and telecommuters can gather to work for $250 per month. Both places offer file storage so work can stay at the "office" instead of going home with participants.

If you're thinking about starting a coworking community, you guessed it, there is a blog devoted to the cause. At blog.coworking.info the buzz is blogging about coworking, virtual working, and potentially working. The site features maps of coworking locations in North America, Australia, Africa and beyond and a founders' video presentation with an invitation for coworkers to add personal clips.

If you are coworking in Kitsap County, please send an e-mail and share your story. If you have recently started your own business or have an ideal plan for a startup operation, drop me a line so I can let our readers know about innovative and new ideas around town.